February 26th

Students practiced pattern layouts on a sample laying out pattern pieces on "fabric" (in this case it was construction paper) and turned it in for 50 points.

February 25th

Students learned about the importance of pattern instructions and layouts provided by the manufacturer. We watched a video and completed a video review sheet, which we discussed afterward. They will practice what they learned today on a sample/assignment tomorrow.

February 24th

First, students were reminded that their 1/2 yard of fabric for their tissue box project is due on Monday, March 2nd. Then, they played the game "Concentration" with a partner to identify and recognize common pattern symbols. We also watched part of a video about going to the fabric store for their supplies and how to cut out pattern pieces.

February 23rd

Students learned to identify the most common symbols used on patterns. They did this by discussing the symbols and matching the symbol to the meaning on a sheet as well as deciphering the symbols on an actual pattern piece.

February 20th

The class learned about the differences between pressing and ironing. Pressing equipment, ironing area rules and reasons for pressing were discussed.

February 19th

Students learned about different kinds of sewing machine needles and pins used in sewing and for different kinds of fabrics today. They had a note taking guide the should have completed while we discussed and showed different examples.

February 18th

The students had to identify 18 common pieces of sewing equipment they will be using when completing their projects during the rest of the semester. We were also able to review what they were used for and to play a quick BINGO game using these pieces of equipment.

February 17th

The students were supposed to have a couple of group activities to learn/review common pieces of sewing equipment, but they were causing to many disruptions and being disrespectful, so they were given an individual assignment instead. They had to read pages 472-477 in the clothing textbook and answer questions 14-18 on page 478. Students who were causing the disruptions were referred to the office and parents were called. Hopefully we will be able to resume our activities tomorrow.

February 12th

The students had a sub today and had a lesson on Peer pressure. Nothing was due or was assigned today. The read a story called "A Bad Case of the Stripes." They should have discussed why people give in to peer pressure and done a couple of activities related to this. I should be feeling better and back at work tomorrow and we will start where we left off in class yesterday.

February 13th

Students were shown how to do pivots/turn corners and how to sew around curves, as well as how to backstitch. They had to then demonstrate what they learned on two samples, one showing pivots and one showing curves. At the end of class, those who had finished turned them in.

February 11th

Students learned how to use the embroidery stitches on the machines and completed a sample titled seven stitches. They had to sew one straight line, one basting line, one zig-zagged line and four lines of their own choosing. This is worth 35 points on their grade and is due on Tuesday at the end of class.

February 10th

Students reviewed how to thread the sewing machine. They learned that seam allowances are the measurement from the cut edge to the sewing line and practiced sewing a 1/4 inch and a 5/8 inch seam allowance by creating a sample of each which they turned in by the end of class. Also, a number of students were given the opportunity to retake the parts of the sewing machine quiz and to catch-up on missing assignments.

February 9th

The students learned how to wind a bobbin and thread a sewing machine. They also reviewed the most common type of sewing problems, plus ways to fix these problems.

February 6th

Students had a review of proper measuring, including fractions and the correct use of rulers. They worked on a review sheet to see how much they remember about measuring and to get help for anything they didn't understand. The assignment is worth 30 points and will be due at the end of class.

February 5th

Students were shown how to stitch using the sewing machines and how to use some of the functions, like the stitch length and width. They were then allowed to sew on paper using the machines to get used to them and the way the fabric is pulled though while it sews. They had 5 different patterns to practice on using both straight and curved lines, as well as corners.

February 4th

Students took a quiz on the parts of the sewing machine. If they were able to identify 8 or more out of 12 parts, they earned 25 points on their grade. Those who did not pass can arrange a time to come in and retake the quiz.

February 3rd

Students learned to identify and name the parts of our sewing computers. They will have a 12 question quiz on these parts tomorrow.

February 2nd

Students learned about grainlines and parts of a piece of fabric. They started a sample on grainlines in which they had to label the different parts of fabric and had to pin on a small pattern piece correctly by pinning it on with the grainline parallel to the selvage and lengthwise grain.